Combination lock



March 10, 1931. S MBUR 1,796,270

' COMBINATION LOCK Filed Jan. 20, 1928 A l w l NVENTOR W5 Maurice jamarf ATTORNEYS Patented Mar. 10, 1931 I nuns-n STATES PATENT OFFICE mnn ojasamnone, on BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, assrenon rro LOOK PATIlNTS HOLID- me CORPORATION, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK OOMBINATIOn Look- A pncanon filed January 20, 1928. Serial in. 248,223.

My invention relates'to improvements in permutation or combination locks; and-the same has-for its'object more particularly to provide a simple, compact and reliable dcfievice which may be conveniently operated to surreptitiously;

lock orun'l'o'ck the same, and which cannot be readily unlocked by unauthorized persons Further, said invention has for its object to provide a device of the character specified which comprises a very'few inexpensive parts assembled for eflicientand reliable operation. Further, said invention has for its object to provide a device ofthe character specified' in which the permutation mechanism thereof cannot be manipulated to release the lock-controlling member byuse of the sense of touchor hearing. I

Further, said invention has for its object toprovidea deviceofthe character described in: which the adjustable'parts thereof are thereof.

d-isposed' one upon the other in exposed positron' to provide a compact structure permitting of the convenient manipulation Furt'lrer, saiclinvention has for its object toprovide a device of the character specified in-whi'ch the lockingmeans thereof may, if

desirable", be locked or unlocked without prior operation of the permutation mechanism to release the member controlling said locking means: a

Further, said invention has for its object to provide device of the-character specified in which'rsaid permutation mechanism, when meadow of registering position, may be rendered either operative'orinoperative to lock" the controllingor actuating member for tlie'locking means depenc'lingon'the position of said controllingmember relative to said mechanism.

Further, said'invention" has forits object to provide ja-deviceof the character specified in whicht-he tumblers thereof are disposed one upon'theoth'er in exposed position to permit of the manipulation of each thereof independently, and'in which the finger piece of the controllingmember for the'lockmg means extends over said tumblersin close relation thereto and conforms in contourtherewith;

' Other objects will in part be obvious, and

' features of construction, and in the combination, connection and arrangement of parts hereinafter more fully described and then pointed out'in the claims.

In the acompanying drawing:

Fig. l is a plan of one form of locking device constructed according to and embodymg my invention;

Fig. 2 is a side view thereof, parts being broken away.

F ig. 3 is a bottom plan thereof;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view thereof on the line l4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a cross section showing the parts in position permitting of rotation of the spindle or actuating member;

Figs. 6, 7 s and 8 are views similar to Fig. 5, showing the parts in other positions;

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the spindle and cam; and

Fig. '10 is an exploded View of the tumblers and supporting plate therefor.

Referring to the drawings, the device preferably comprises a plate or support 10 having a downwardly or rearwardly extending flange 12 providing a space 14 at one side of said plate for the reception of the locking means hereinafter more fully described. Air annular boss or bearing 16 extends from the opposite side of said plate 10 and has a radial slot 18 therein loosely receiving the single locking member or dog 20. The dog 20 is slightly longer than the slot 18, and is provided with rounded longitudinal edges or cam surfaces, as indicated at 22.

An actuating member or spindle 24 is rotatably disposed within the annular bearing 16 and extends at the inner end thereof into the space 14 below the plate 10. The spindle 24 is provided with a pair of longitudinal recesses or grooves 26 and 28 of unequal size disposed at opposite sides thereof. The smaller groove 26 is adapted'to receive the dog 20 which closely fits the same for locking the spindle against rotation as hereinafter more fully described, and the larger grooves 28 in openings by the samemachine during the manufacture thereof. The inner edges of the several members 30, 32and. 34 have cam notches 42, .44 and 46 therein for receiving the dog 20. 'The members 30, 32-and 34 are disposed about said boss 16 which closely fits the openings 36, 38 and 40. The members 80, 32 and 84 are disposed one above the other in exposed position to permit of the actuation of each thereof independently, and the same are preferably of'success vely decreasing dia meter rovidin a step formation'havin the t9 .1 a

tread portions thereof provided with the 'usualcalibrations or indicia for working the combination as indicated at-48. Thetumbler 34, however, is preferablyformed as a cover washer, the same having a flange encircling the end of the boss 16 and a transverse poi" tion 52 extendingover the end thereof. The opening 40 of the member 34 is formed in said flange 50, and the notch 46 thereof is also formed in the flange 50. The member 34 The several members 30, 32 and 34 closely fit the boss 16 to prevent play relative thereto so that the tumblers cannot be manipulated by unauthorized persons to unlock the device by the sense of touch or hearing without knowing the combination. Relative play between the members or tumblers is largely prevented by making the openings thereof of uniform size as above described. V

A finger piece or actuating portion SGis attached to or formed on the outer'end of the spindle 24. This member 56 preferably com prises a pair of arms 58 extending radially outwardly in close relation to the seve 'al tumblers 80, 32 and 34 and conforming in contour with the contour thereof to provide a compact structure, and to provide a finger piece'which does not unduly cover the'calibrations 48 so as to interfere with the reading thereof. In

' the embodiment of the invention illustrated the innerfaces' 60 of the arms 58 are ofstep formation, corresponding to the. formation of the tumblers andthe same are disposed in 'closerelation thereto, the ends 62 of the arms 58 being substantially flush with edges of the lower tumbler 30.

A pair stops 64, 66 aredisposed at diametrically opposite sides of the permutation mechanism upon the plate '10. A cooperat ing member orpin 68 carried by one end' of has a central opening 54 receiving the spindle 24.

of engages the stop .66.

The spindle 24 is adapted to control any suitable locking means disposed within the space 14. .I have illustrated as ple, a locking detent or member 70 pivoted at 72 intermediate its ends, and having an end adapted to engage the cooperating locking member 74, illustrated as a notched stud of the usual luggage hasp 7 6 adapted to pass "through an opening 77 in'the, plate 10. A

spring 78 normally maintainsnthe member 70 pressed towards the stud 74. A cam 80 secured to the inner end of the spindle 24 at right angles to t-he. grooves 26 and 28 cooperates with the opposite end of the lever or detent 70 to effect the disengagement thereof from the stud 74.

' In operation, assuming it is desired to unlock the device, the'several tumblers 30, 82, 84 are moved in accordance with a given combination so that the several; notches 42,44 7

and-46 become aligned with each other and register with the dog 20,v as shown at Fig. 5. When the spindle 24 is partially rotated away from stop 64, the parts then assume the iosition shown at Fig. 7., the member 20 being forced into the notches bythe cam action of therotatable spindle. Thismovement retracts the lever 70. --'V\ hen. it is-de= In some instances it is desirabletobo able to retract the lever- 70 to unlockfthe device without working thecombination. For this purpose, the spindle 24, when the same is rotated to unlock the device, is'rotated clockwise, looking at Fig. 7 until the pin 68 there- The relatively wide groove'28 will then register *iththe dog 20,

the latter being'received therein, as shown at Fig. 8, when the tumblers are rotated out off registering position. It is to be noted that the size or width of the groove 28 is such as to permit of rotation of the spindle relative to the dog 20 to actuate the detent'TO without firstrequiring manipulation of the tumblers to place" the same in registering position with the dog 20. This permits of the meema actuationof the member 7 0 even though the notchesoftlie tunrblersSQ, 32 and 34 do not register'with the dog 20. I

The lock embodying my said invention 7 ing mechanism islocked.

By my invention it is permitted to lock and unlock the device, either by first manip ulating the tumblers in accordance with the combination therefor to releasethe actuating member for the locking means, or without manipulation of said tumblers, as desired.

The few parts of the device, including the tumblers and finger piece thereof, are in exposed position 'to permit of the convenient manipulation thereof, and the same are compactly arranged one upon the other to reduce the height thereof above the surface of the plate 10. The parts ofthe improved lock being entirely exposed and compactly assembled adapts the lock for ready attachment to any object with very little trouble and without the necessity of'extensive alterations or changes.

I claim:

. 1. A lock-comprising anactuating member, locking means controlled thereby, permutation mechanism adaptedto be moved from and to registering position to lock and release said'a'ctuating member, and means movable into operative relation to said permutation mechanism to permit of movement thereof relative to said actuating member and to render thefiormer inoperative to lock-the latter when said permutation mechanism is movedfrom registeringposition, whereby to permit of the control of the lock independently of the position of said permutation mechanism;

2; A lock comprising a rotatable actuating member, locking means controlled thereby,

permutation mechanism adapted to be moved from and to registering position to lock and release said actuating member. and means controlled by the position of SillCl actuating member to render said permutation mechanism inoperative to lock said actuatmgmemher when said permutation mechanism is moved from registering position.

3 A look comprising arotatable actuating member, locking means controlled thereby,

' permutation mechanism for locking and releasing said actuating member, said actuating'member having means adapted to oppose said permutation mechanism in certain of the positions of said'actuatingmemberto render saidpermutation mechanism in the normal locking POSllZlOIIStllQIGOf inoperative to' lock said actuating member.

4. A lock comprising a rotatable actuating member, lock-ing means controlled thereby;

permutation members cooperating with said acti' a-ting member in one position thereof to effect the locking thereof, said actuating member having means cooperating withsaid permutation members in another position of said actuating member to render the former inoperative to lock said actuating member.

5'. A lookcom-pri'sing a rotatable actuating'member having a plurality of recesses therein, lock-ing means controlled thereby, and permutation mechanism cooperating with said actuating member; one of said recesses in one position of said actuating'member cooperating with said permutation mechanism to effect the locking of said actuating member, and the otherof said recesses in another position of said actuating member cooperating with said permutation mechanism to render the same inoperative to lock said actuating member.

6. A lock comprising a support, an annular bearing. extending from saidsupport and having a radial slot therethrough, an actuating member rota-tably disposed within said bearing andhaving'recesses of unequal size in spaced relation thereon, locking means controlled thereby, a plurality of notched tumbler members disposed about said annu- V lar bearing, and a dog disposed in said slot;

the smaller of said recessesreceiving said dog in the locking position of said tumbler members to effect the locking of said actuating member, and the largerof said recesses receiving said dog to permit of movement of said actuating" member irrespective of the position of said tumbler-members.

7; A lock comprising a plate, an annular bearing extending from one side of said plate and provided-with aradial slot, a dog disposed within said slot, a-plurality of tumblers rotatably disposed about said'bearing, and each thereof having an interior notch, a spindle rotatably disposed within said bearing and provided with a plurality of longitudinal grooves of unequal size adapted to receive said dog, and locking means at the opposite side of said plate actuated from said spindle.

8. A look comprising a support, an actuating member thereon, lockingmeans controlled thereby, permutation mechanism adapted to be moved from and to registering position to lock and release said actuating member, a plurality of means on said actuating member adapted to be moved into one position relative to said permutation mechanism to permit of the locking of said actuating member and into .another position to rendersaid permutationpositions of the actuating member. i

9; A look comprismga plate, abearing boss on saidplate provided with a slot, a plurality of disks rotatably disposed about said boss,-

one above the other in exposedposition to permit of the manualactuation of each thereof independently, and each 'ofsaid disks having an interior notch, a spindle rotatably; disposed within said boss and provided with aplurality. of longitudinal grooves,a single dog within said slot adapted to be received in said notches when thesame are aligned therewith and to be received in each ofsaid groovesas desired, and locking means actuated by said spindle. I V V t w 10. A lock comprising a support, an annular boss extendingtherefrom, a spindle rotatably disposed within said boss, a plu ralit-y of disk tumblersoii successively decreasing diameter rotatably disposed about said boss, one above the other in exposed position to permit of the manual actuation of each thereof independently,means interposed between said spindle and-said tumblers for effecting the locking of said spindle by said tumblers, locking means at the opposite side of said supportcontrolled by said spindle, and a finger piece extending from the outer endot said spindle over said several tumblers in close relation thereto, and conform in g in contour with the contour thereof;

11. A lock comprising a support, an annular boss extending from one side thereof andhaving a longitudinal slot therethrough,

' a spindle rota-tably disposed within said boss and having a longitudinal groove therein adapted to register with said slot, a plural ity of disk tumblers of successively decreasing diameter disposedabout said boss,one above the other in exposed position to permit of the manual actuation oteach thereof independently, and havingnotchesat the inner-edges thereof'adapted to registerwith said slot, a dog disposed within said slot and ,received within said groove. to locksaid spindle and received Within said notches to unlock saidspindle, locking means at the opposite side of said plate controlled by said spindle, and an actuating portionat the outer end oii'said spindle including arms conforming in contour with the contour of said tumblers of successively decreasing diameter and disposed in close relation thereto.

12. A lock comprising a support, an annularboss extending'from one side thereof and-having a longitudinal slot therethrough, aspindle rotatably'disposed within said boss and havinga longitudinal groove therein adapted to register with said slot, a plurality otdisktumblers of successively decreasing 'diameterxdisposed about said boss, one

above the otherin exposed position to-per-,

mito't' the manual actuation of eachthereot independently, and having notches at the inmemberand said supportfor indicating said ner edges thereof adapted to register with said slot, a dog disposed within saidslot and received within said groove tolOcky-said spindle and received Within said notch'esto c ,unlock said spindle, means on said spindle for receiving said dog to render the same inoperative 'to lock said spindle, locking means at the opposite side ofsaid plate controlled bysaid spmdle, a finger; piece at the outer end of said spindle including arms con forming radially 1n contour with the contour of said tumblersof successively dccreaslng d ameter, and disposed in close relation thereto, and stop means on said sup- 'tion means. a i

14. A lock comprising a plate having an aperture therein, a spindle, permutation means co'ircentricwith said spindle, cam

means secured to said spindle, and adetent V pivoted to said plate, said detent being movable by said cam out of intersection with said aperture, 7 a

I 15. A lock comprising aplate having an aperture therein, a spindle, permutation means concentric with said spindle, :am means secured to said spindle, a detent pivoted to said plate, said detent being movable by said cam out of intersection with said aperture, and spring means-for moving-said detent in the opposite direction.

l6. A lock comprising a plurality of con centric permutation disks ofunequal radius, means for rotatably'supporting same, a con trol spindle concentric with said supporting means, and an arm secured to said spindle and extendingtherefrom at a right angle,; said arm having an interiorstepped surface fitted to said disks.-

17. A lock comprising a plurality of concentric permutation disks of unequal radius,

means for rotatably supporting same, a control spindle concentric with said supporting means, an arm secured to said spindle, and extending therefrom at a: righta-ngle, said arm having an interior stepped surfacefitted to said disks, and stops to limit the movement of said arm in eith'erdirect-ion, I

18. A lock comprising a plate having a cylindrical boss with a center bore, a slot extending through the wall of said bossfrom its free end to a, point adjacent its base,

plurality of permutation disks revolubly supported'by said boss, each of said disks having an interior notch, a single dog in said slot movable into and out of engagement with said notches, and a control spindle within said boss and having a recess to receive said dog.

19. In a lock, a plate having a circular portion and an extension therefrom, a hollow boss integral with said plate and concentric with said circular portion, a bore concentric with said boss, an aperture through said extension, a flange integral with the edge of said plate and extending therefrom in a direction away from said boss, and locking means pivotally secured to said plate within the chamber formed by said flange and movable into and out of intersection with said aperture.

20. A lock comprising a plate, an annular boss projecting therefrom and having a slot extending through the wall of the boss substantially from end to end thereof, a plurality of permutation disks rotatably disposed about said boss and arranged along said boss substantially coextensively with the length thereof, each of said disks having an interior notch, a dog of a length substantially equal to that of said slot disposed therein and movable into and out of engage ment with said notches, a control spindle received within said boss and having a recess for receiving said dog, and afinger piece on said spindle to retain the disks in position on said boss.

21. A lock comprising a plate, an annular boss projecting therefrom and having a slot extending through the wall of the boss sub stantially from end to end thereof, a plurality of permutation disks of unequal radius rotatably disposed about said boss and arranged therealong substantially coextensively with the length thereof, each of said disks having an interior notch, a dog of a length substantially equal to that of said slot disposed therein and movable into and out of engagement with said notches, a control spindle received within said boss and having a recess for receiving said dog, and a finger piece on the outer end. of said spindle extending over said several disks in close relation thereto.

22. A lock comprising a plate, an annular boss projecting therefrom and having a slot extending through the Wall of the boss substantially from end to end thereof, a plurality of permutation disks of decreasing diameters rotatably disposed about said boss and arranged't-herealong substantially coextensively with the length thereof, each of said disks having an interior notch, a dog of a length substantially equal to that of said slot disposed therein and movable into and out of engagement with said notches, a control spindle received Within saidboss and having a recess for receiving said dog, a finger piece on the outer end of said spindle extending over said disks and lying in close relation thereto, and stops on said plate lying in the path of said finger piece.

23. A lock comprising a plate, an annular boss projecting from said plate, a plurality of permutation disks rotatably disposed about said boss above'said plate, a control spindle rotatably received Within said boss. means interposed between said spindle and said disks for effecting the locking of said spindle by said disks, a finger piece on the outer end of said spindle overlying said disks, and a member on said spindle at the opposite end thereof below said plate, said member and said linger piece serving to secure the parts together and retain said disks in position about said boss against removal therefrom.

24-. A lock comprising a rotatable actuating member, locking means controlled thereby, permutation mechanism, said actuating member having means adapted to align with said permutation mechanism for eifecting the locking and release of said actuating member, said actuating member having also means adapted to align with said permutation mechanism to render said mechanism inoperative to lock said actuating member, and stops lyin in the path of travel of said actuating member and limiting the movement thereof at positions for aligning said two last named means with said permutation mechanism.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name hereto.

MAURICE SAMBURG. 

